Colombia officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem today, marking a major shift in the South American country’s foreign policy under President Abelardo de la Espriella, who has moved to restore and strengthen relations with Israel after his predecessor severed diplomatic ties over the war in Gaza.
Despite heavy restrictions imposed by Israel, around 60,000 Palestinians performed Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Islamic Waqf Department in القدس Jerusalem said that although Israeli forces had taken control of the gates leading to the Old City and the compound, tens of thousands of worshippers began arriving at the mosque courtyard early this…
